Chronicles Special Edition
The readers of Dragonlance Underground have not seen much of me, EvilRaist. That is because I have been doing some undercover work. I knew something was wrong when I heard that Wizards of the Coast would reprint Dragons of Autumn Twilight split into two books, aimed at a juvenile audience. They denied rumors that content would be changed. But I did not believe them, there had to be a conspiracy at work. Lady Raist's connections helped me get a job at Wizards as a secretary. After several months, I uncovered what turned out to be a press release to be issued just before the publication of the books. It proves they really have changed the books, and have even interviewed fans about the new version. I lost the scoop though, as Margaret Weis recently announced the books will be censored despite what had previously been promised. But I still have one more secret:
Official Wizards of the Coast Press release
Dragonlance Chronicles Special Edition
Part 1: A Rumor of Dragons
Part 2: Night of Dragons.
Ever since its first publication in 1985, the first book of the Dragonlance Chronicles, Dragons of Autumns Twilight, has thrilled millions of fantasy fans all over the world. Now, when everyone is a fan of fantasy with the enormous popularity of the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings novels and movies, it is time for new readers to discover the magic of Dragonlance that has enchanted fantasy readers for decades. For this re-release, the first Dragonlance novel will be split in two in order to please the people who live in a world so busy they don't have the time to read long books. "This is a Dragonlance updated for the 21st century," a spokesman for Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of Dragonlance, says. "And in an age where families go together to enjoy Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, it is important for us to keep up with the times and make sure that the family as a whole can also enjoy these classic novels," he goes on, confirming rumors previously denied by the company that the book will be revised. "There are elements of adult content, occultism, violence and an unfortunate positive portrayal of evil, that would be irresponsible of us to publish to a juvenile public, particularly in these sensitive times. Several scenes of questionable nature has been removed, and we have felt the need to change the character of Raistlin somewhat. Many parents have expressed concern about their children admiring a clearly evil character so much. In his original incarnation, he is too ambiguous in an age where we need to have clear lines between good and evil," he says. "We have also felt the need to make some changes to the character Tasslehoff Burrfoot. With the high crime rates nowadays, we should not trick children into believing that stealing, trespassing and having no respect for private property can be the traits of an innocent and likable character."
But in addition to making the classic novel more family friendly, and thus bringing the exciting Dragonlance saga to new generations of fans, both young and old, Dragonlance Chronicles Special Edition acknowledges the growth that Dragonlance has been through since Dragons of Autumn Twilight was originally published. "Several books published after Chronicles and Legends have had their own unique view on the world of Krynn. Now those books and their authors, after years of being ridiculed, are finally being treated with the respect they deserve. This new edition of the timeless classic also solves many of the so-called inconsistency or canon disputes we have seen on various Dragonlance discussion boards on the Internet over the years. By incorporating the truths of books such as Preludes, Meetings, the Raistlin Chronicles and The Inheritance into the Chronicles, and declaring A Rumor of Dragons and its sequels to be the definitive Chronicles version for canon purposes, we expect these discussions will now be laid to rest," he continues. "Concerned fans have asked us if we change these books just to make money. We don't publish books if we expect to loose money for doing so, but Chronicles Special Edition is a service both to authors, families looking for safe entertainment for their children, and fans of Dragonlance. In fact, it was a fan who suggested this edition, and we always listen to fans when they have good ideas for Dragonlance books. America's favorite fantasy trilogy just got better. Just hear what thrilled authors and fans have to say:"
"A Rumor of Dragons and Night of Dragons is perfect for old fans as well as those who are visiting the wonderful world of Krynn for the first time. It will also open readers' eyes to the exciting books in Preludes, Meetings and related series."
-Wizards of the Coast
"I may not agree with all their views on Dragonlance continuity, but I had a great time working with all the wonderful authors and editors at WotC. Going back to the Chronicles brought back many fond memories. But I am very glad that the original Saga is finally rid of elements objectionable and dangerous to the family, elements I regret putting into the books."
-Tracy H.
"Finally! Other authors are given their input on canon at last. This should teach Tracy Hickman and his worshipers and their egos a lesson!"
-Matt L.
"At last an edition of Chronicles that opens doors and acknowledges any authors God-given right to do whatever they want to Dragonlance and the world of Krynn in order to write quality stories."
-John G.
"An interesting view on the subject, but it is just one view of many, and may or may not be correct. I am nevertheless intrigued by the project to incorporate the facts found in Preludes and Meetings into Chronicles and thus make the world a little less muddled. My only gripe is it is a bit too family oriented: the draconians in Chronicles are so stupid and evil they no longer have the ambiguity they originally had."
-Weldon C.
"<lock and load> *BLAM*"
-Rohan T.
"Give me your gun, Rohan! NOW!"
-Morten B.
Here is a collection of some internal memos I uncovered, at great personal risk, describing the changes done in the Dragonlance Chronicles Special Edition.
References to Paladine, Takhisis, Mishakal and Reorx as gods will be replaced by them being "supreme beings". This is done both to avoid offending religious sensitivities (the idea of an evil god is a particularly offensive one children should not be exposed to), and to incorporate the canon of the Dragons of a Vanished Moon appendix into Dragons of Autumn Twilight.
The words "Good" and "Evil" are spelled with capital letters so that children can easier see the distinction between the two, and thus know that there is a clear choice whether you're good or whether you're evil, with us or against us.
"Tanis was only half-elven, a child of violence, his mother having been raped by a human warrior during one of the many wars that had divided the different races of Krynn in the chaotic years following the Cataclysm."
Improved to:"Tanis was only half-elven, his mother was kidnapped by a band of human bandits, and one of them forced himself on her. Even though the parents grew to respect each other somewhat, he never learned the truth and was never fully accepted by even society."
<EvilRaist's note: This was changed after the decision to make Chronicles more consistent, but before the decision was made to make it more moral. So we should expect that Wizards excise all references to Tanis's ancestry.>
"I am one hundred and two [Tanis said]."
Improved to:"I am ninety seven [Tanis said]."
"'True healing!', Tanis said in awe [as he was healed by the Blue Crystal Staff]."
Improved to:"'True healing!', Tanis said in awe, not suspecting that his mother used to possess a healing artifact even more powerful than the Blue Crystal Staff, an artifact that channeled the magic of the god Habbakuk."
<EvilRaist's note: This will probably be revised even more to account for the fact from the Fifth Age and later products that there indeed are and were mysticism, healing magic not of the gods.>
The sequence where Sturm sees and follows the White Stag while the rest of the Companions have a hard time believing him is improved. Tanis believes Sturm, and said that he met Huma personally and saw a silver dragon during a brief visit to the death realm. Others in the group (Sturm, Tas, Flint) also say that they have encountered dragons or creatures that look like a dragon. Later references to them being surprised when they meet dragons are also improved for continuity's sake.
The line where Tanis says "We are not the stuff of heroes" will of course be improved to "We aren't the stuff of heroes, but hey, who hasn't saved the world once or twice..."
Information about conversion of Dragons of Winter Night for Chronicles Special Edition was very hard to uncover, but I found a little. It will be published in 3 volumes, and also feature some changes:
1. "A Dream of Dragons." I have spied them reworking the Silvanesti sequence into a cozy elven realm, so that families needn't worry about young children getting nightmares from reading the book.
2. "A Mountain of Dragons." The romance between Gilthanas and Silvara will be deleted both because of its inclusion of premarital sex, and they fear that an elf-dragon relationship may encourage sodomy.
3. "Death of Dragons." [EvilRaist's note: Title might change due to criticism from the Moral Majority about the use of the word "Death" in a Family book.] Tanis's sexual relationship with the evil Kitiara is changed considerably. Kitiara is now Tanis's misguided half-sister, whom he eventually saves from the clutches of evil.
<sarcasm>Well that's it. I know I'm excited to see these new releases. How about the rest of the fan base?</sarcasm>
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